abby ahmad

With edgy, intelligent lyrics and hypnotic melodies, Abby Ahmad’s tunes meander from folk to blues, soul to jazz...and everything rocks. Her intricately percussive guitar style and sultry vocals roar and purr. She manages to subtly incorporate influences including Tori Amos, Patty Griffin, Leo Kottke, and Nina Simone, but emerges with a sound that is distinctly original. Emotionally-charged, yet funky, Abby is at once in your face and in your heart.
Abby wholly credits her parents with sparking her musical interests. Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Cat Stevens became fundamentals of her music library before she could even pronounce their names. It was this early saturation that provoked Abby to investigate her own musical abilities. During childhood in Dallas, Pennsylvania, she dabbled in violin, piano, and clarinet, participated in choirs, musical theatre, and talent shows. However, it was her innate desire to be a songwriter that propelled her to pick up the guitar at age 10. Already a published poet, Abby began transforming written word into song. Spending hours honing her craft in her bedroom, it was here that Abby’s unique sound and style developed.
“I was always hesitant regarding professional training. I was concerned that the theoretical elements would detract from my creativity. That I would develop sounds that were ‘supposed to go together’, and ignore the ones being manifested in my head. I felt, at the time, that the only instructors I needed were the ones blasting through my stereo.”
By the age of 15, Abby began establishing herself as a promising member of the professional music world. She performed her original tunes wherever she could, from open-mic nights and coffeehouses to dive bars and punk clubs. The venue choices were varied, yet the response was unified:
“This girl has IT.”
While attending the University of Pittsburgh, Abby continued to develop her love affair with the performing arts, turning her attentions to the theatrical world. She became a staple of the Pitt Repertory stage and received numerous awards and accolades for her work as both an actress and sound designer/composer. In 2004, Abby graduated with a B.A. in Theatre Arts and received the coveted Helen Katz Award for outstanding student in the Department of Theatre Arts.
During her final year in Pittsburgh, Abby inaugurated/hosted an interdisciplinary open-mic night at progressive venue The Shadow Lounge. She was also awarded grand prize at the Rock for RAINN Singer/Songwriter Competition and placed as a finalist in the Three Rivers Acoustic Challenge.
In August of 2005, Abby fulfilled her lifelong dream of moving to New York City. Within her first year residing in NY, Abby racked up a notable resume, playing gigs at distinguished venues including the Knitting Factory, Arlene’s Grocery, and the legendary Bitter End. She also completed a short tour, hitting venues in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
2006 saw the release of Abby’s first full-length studio album, The Rearview (on self-founded Little Whisper Records). Produced and arranged by Abby and longtime friend Matt Zeigler, The Rearview is an ambitious, sophisticated work for the 24-year old songwriter. Utilizing the talents of 11 fellow musicians, The Rearview is a departure from Abby’s previously released acoustic-based EP’s The P.M. Peeps Sessions (2002) and Headcase (2004).
Within mere months of The Rearview's release, Abby caught the attention of renowned film director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive). Her songs “Seven Year Itch” and “Tri-Me” were both selected for inclusion in Davis’s blockbuster film The Guardian which was released in September of 2006. “Tri-Me” is also featured on the film’s soundtrack album (Hollywood Records).
As Abby’s professional career reaches new heights, her focus remains firmly grounded:
“For me, it’s never been about achieving a level of success or fame. It’s about growing up, working hard at my goals, progressing as a musician and as an individual.”
“The juice is in the journey…”
"Tri-Me" Live @ Caffe Vivaldi, NYC (2008)
Featuring:
Mark Marshall: acoustic guitar
Covering The Beatles' "Yer Blues" Live @ Caffe Vivaldi, NYC (2008)
Featuring:
Mark Marshall: acoustic guitar
"Solo Act" Live @ Caffe Vivaldi, NYC (2008)
"Not Even Niagara" Live @ Knitting Factory, NYC (2006)
Featuring:
Mark Marshall: drums
Ricardo Rodriguez: bass
Danielle Turano: violin
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"Q & A" (2006)
"Borders" Live @ Rockwood Music Hall, NYC (2006)
Featuring:
Mark Marshall (elec. guitar)
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